Foreword

In the eighth issue of Aspectus, we are pleased to include a fascinating collection of articles and reviews, which examine the relationship between visual art and cultural narratives. These works are contributed by current and former members of our postgraduate community. We would like to thank all our peer reviewers for their commitment to the journal and valuable insights. Sincere thanks also to our university and faculty for their guidance throughout this process, particularly Professor Richard Johns, Head of Department, and Dr Jessica Richardson, Director of Postgraduate Research.    

Issue VIII opens with The Sublime Wound: Lingchi Photography and the Symbolic Life of Colonial Violence, which examines how unsettling images of imperial Chinese cruelty are consumed by Western audiences. This is followed by Et Jamais Je Ne Pleure, Et Jamais Je Ne Ris: Unsentimentality as Form in Aubrey Beardsley’s 'The Coiffing,' a reappraisal of Beardsley's approach to aesthetics. We include two exhibition reviews - Marina Abramović: Transforming Energy at Accademia in Venice, Italy and Le murmure des Libres at Collection Lambert in Avignon, France - both of which invite us to consider how curatorial choices can encourage cultural and historical dialogue.  

We hope this edition inspires readers to reflect more deeply on the complex historical narratives that continue to influence our contemporary world. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to your continued engagement.

Signed,

Isaac Nugent & Wei Zhang

Editors-in-Chief, 2025-2026